Lent is about giving up and giving, Bishop says on Ash Wednesday

In a meaningful Ash Wednesday homily, preached to several hundred of the faithful in attendance

Feb. 22 in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., reminded those gathered that Lent is a time for heartfelt repentance, change of heart, and conversion.

The Bishop stressed that Lent is not simply about giving up something but is also a time to give something to others, offering suggestions for how both practices can lead to prayerful Lenten observances.

“Pick one thing – one sin or one fault – and concentrate on it, ask

God to help you deal with it,” the Bishop said, citing impatience, being judgmental or personal vices as examples of things to give up.

When it comes to giving, Bishop O’Connell recommended time, “something that is very precious to all of us.” He emphasized that spending time with God “is time well spent – to be in the presence of God is a good thing.”

By Mary Stadnyk, Associate Editor

Bishop O’Connell imposes newly blessed ashes on an altar server’s forehead.

Bishop O’Connell receives ashes from Msgr. Joseph Roldan, Cathedral rector.

A parishioner kneels in prayer after receiving ashes during Mass in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. Mike Ehrmann photos